Andrew Ravens
The WWE Hall of Fame class of 2026 is coming along nicely, with AJ Styles, Stephanie McMahon, Dennis Rodman, and Demolition announced for induction next month. That’s one of the strongest classes for the Hall in recent memory, but what if they could add more star power to it? What if WWE makes one more addition?
Today, we look at five names worthy of going into the WWE Hall of Fame and being honored by their peers and fans alike on WrestleMania 42 weekend.
Victoria
Victoria doesn’t get enough credit for making women’s wrestling what it is today. She may not have been the most charismatic or greatest promo, but when she stepped foot inside that squared circle, she could go with anyone. More importantly, she could make anyone shine if she wanted.
She helped elevate the women’s division at a time when WWE didn’t want to, and helped make stars like Lita and Trish Stratus. Victoria was also extremely important to the TNA Knockouts division, helping form it into what we know today.
Ken Shamrock
Ken Shamrock got inducted into the TNA Hall of Fame a few years ago, and now it’s time for him to be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame. He helped change wrestling, as tapping out in a submission wasn’t a thing until he came along. He helped fans see how big a build Steve Austin vs. Bret Hart was at WrestleMania in 1997, as that submission match was a real element to it, with him being the referee
Shamrock also helped make The Rock into a legitimate performer while feuding in 1998. Shamrock brought legitimacy to the sport and did so in an impactful way while also not being around for longer than most would’ve liked.
Mickie James
When we talk about influential wrestlers in pro wrestling and women’s wrestling, Mickie James should be right up there with those we look up to. She was part of the latter of the women’s division and the divas era. She helped change the way that fans look at women’s wrestling and make it what it is today. James found success across WWE and TNA. Not only did she do it at a high level, but she did so for over a decade.
Bray Wyatt
Bray Wyatt will go down as one of the greatest examples of what if? His first run in WWE was several chapters in a book that most could only dream of, from winning the WWE Title to feuds with Randy Orton, John Cena, and The Undertaker, to his legendary feud that saw his Wyatt Family take on The Shield.
He was special and unique. Wyatt was only getting started before the world lost him, before he could show another in what could’ve been several different versions of him.
Hardy Boyz
What better way than to close out the class than induct one of the greatest tag teams of all time, in the form of the Hardy Boyz? Matt and Jeff Hardy literally changed tag team wrestling alongside the likes of Edge and Christian and the Dudley Boyz. They have been so influential in the business that they have changed the way fans see tag team wrestling.
The Hardy Boyz have also been part of historic moments that have helped shape how history is written across various match types and promotions. They’ve found success in nearly every major promotion they’ve been a part of. Now, it’s time to honor them.
